Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre

Merry Christmas from the Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre! We want to wish you all a wonderful festive season and thank you for your support in 2025. 🎄

We will be taking a short break after Tuesday 23 December and reopening on Monday 5 January 2026.

PS - Our December newsletter is now live! View it online at
https://bit.ly/4asLAn7

Skills and Jobs Centre November Newsletter is now live - https://mailchi.mp/3a85ef42df2c/november2025-career-newsletter
We're looking for "glimmers" and inspiration this month, showcasing volunteering opportunities and some great new youth initiatives and resources

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🎉 Did you know? Today is World Statistics Day!

Held every five years on October 20, this day was established by the United Nations Statistical Commission to highlight the vital role statistics play in shaping our world.

As careers practitioners, we’re often asked about data in our 1:1 appointments; which industries are growing, what the careers of the future look like, or what the current unemployment rate is.

📊 Our go-to resource for all things work and employment data? Jobs and Skills Australia. They provide independent advice to the Australian Government on the country’s current, emerging, and future workforce and skills needs.

💡 Our tip for today:
Explore trends, wages, demographics and more for hundreds of jobs and industries in the Occupation and Industry Profiles:

https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles

♻ Shift to Thrift – Knox Op Shop Trail (October 1 – 31)

The Knox Op Shop Trail is back for its third year — a month-long celebration of thrifting, community, and sustainability.

👗 With discounts of up to 50%, extra rewards for donations, and the chance to win one of five $50 Salvos Stores vouchers, it’s the perfect way to explore Knox’s many op shops.

📖 Every purchase helps keep goods out of landfill and supports local causes. Last year, Angliss Op Shop Ferntree Gully alone donated $85,000 to the Angliss Hospital.

Be part of the cycle of life this October. Download the map, hit the trail, and uncover treasures while supporting your community.

Register free:

The Knox Op-Shop Trail (Shift to Thrift) 9:00 AM Wed 01 Oct at All across various locations of Knox, , . The Knox Op-Shop Trail - Shift to Thrift Calling upon all Treasure Hunters, Bargain Seekers and Sustainable Shoppers who live within the City of Knox!! * Thanks for signing up to participate in our se...

Our October Newsletter is live!
- LinkedIn tips to stand out
- Free Digital Literacy Skills training
- Swinburne 2026 Study Expo... and more!
https://mailchi.mp/c551b1b13623/october2025-career-newsletter

We’re celebrating International Coffee Day 2025 — A reminder of how coffee encourages collaboration and brings people together:

☕ From farmers to baristas, every cup is a team effort.
🌍 Coffee connects the world — growers, roasters, and drinkers working together.
🤝 Over coffee, ideas are shared, friendships built, and deals made.
🌱 Farmers and cooperatives collaborate to grow coffee more sustainably.
💬 Coffee shops are where communities come together and conversations flow.

Collaboration is also a key workplace skill, valued by employers for sharing knowledge, sparking ideas, and driving innovation forward.

👉 We’d love to hear from you! What do coffee and collaboration mean to YOU?


https://www.internationalcoffeeday.org/

In recognition of World Mental Health Month, Maroondah City Council's free Growing Wellbeing Activity Day is back this school holidays to raise awareness about the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing for people of all ages and backgrounds. 🌱

Perfect for all ages, offering a mix of activities to suit everyone’s interests. Join in to discover ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing, while learning handy tips for supporting friends and family to thrive. ✨

Connect with mental health professionals for advice and support in a welcoming community setting and unlock new ways to thrive, express yourself through creativity, and nurture your mind and body. ✌

🗓️ Wednesday 1 October
⏰ Time: 11am to 2pm
📍 Realm and Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood
🎟️ FREE entry! Bookings essential for selected workshops.
https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Community-support-business/Community-health-safety-and-wellbeing/Community-Wellbeing/Wellbeing-programs-and-activities/Growing-Wellbeing-Activity-Day

🤩NEXT WEEK! Free workshop for young people looking for employment

This school holidays, we have partnered with Knox Youth Services to help you get informed and prepared for applying for jobs in retail.

Bookings are essential - register here 👉https://www.stickytickets.com.au/7LUES

🚨 JOB HUNTERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU! 🚨

Looking for your first job and not sure where to start? We’ve got you! Come for a super helpful session where you’ll:

💼 Chat with a recruiter from Westfield Knox about what jobs are out there
📝 Get expert tips from the Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre on how to level up your résumé & job applications
❓ Ask all your burning questions about finding work (no pressure, no judgment)

Whether you're just thinking about it or ready to apply, this is the perfect place to start. Bookings are essential, so lock in your spot now! Follow the link below 👇
https://www.stickytickets.com.au/7LUES

[ID: Two young people sit in front of a laptop smiling at another person.]

Prepare for the academic year and beyond with VCE Summer Tutoring!

This program provides inclusive, high-quality academic support for VCE students from all backgrounds.

Running from 5–16 January 2026, the program offers opportunities for students to:

📝Participate in academic classes and one-on-one tutoring with dedicated tutors

👋Connect with a community of like-minded peers through engaging activities

💡Gain insights into university life from supportive older students

Applications are open until 1 October 2026 via the link below, with late applications also considered: https://forms.gle/EE6TELgW18KNX5kb7

Bursaries and travel subsidies are available to ensure all students can access the program.

More information at: https://vcesummertutoring.au

✨ Exploring Career Pathways in Melbourne’s Outer East ✨

Last month, Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre were out in full force at the Outer East LLEN Career Expo at Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby. Over 1,200 local students from 21 schools came through the doors to explore future career and study options.

From engineering and construction to creative industries, library services, apprenticeships, pathways and support services—our team showcased the breadth of VET at Swinburne through hands-on activities and expert advice.

💡 The vibe? Energetic, engaging and inspiring!
🎓 The outcome? Students, families and teachers left with new ideas about “what’s next” after school.

Huge thanks to our Swinburne colleagues and all our teaching and support staff who made the day a success!

The September Skills and Jobs Career Newsletter is live! - https://mailchi.mp/c3f37bc3d515/september2025-career-newsletter

National Skills Week might be over for this year, but we have an extra Learner Story to share! 🌟 **Ashley’s story from landscape design to award-winning building design** 🌿🎓

Ashley brought years of experience in landscape design to Swinburne, where he studied the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural). He loved the flexibility of study and the chance to learn alongside industry-experienced teachers and peers.

His passion and innovation led to him being named Outstanding Student of the Year at the Design Matters National 2025 kick-off – winning a 3-year membership, mentorship, and industry support.

Now, Ashley is running his own business with a focus on accessible, inclusive design – building a career that blends creativity, innovation, and impact.

👏 Read about Ashley’s collaborative experience with Swinburne: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/stories/built-environment-and-architecture/ashley-tafe

Ashley's story With an advanced diploma from Swinburne, Ashley has become a successful architect of his own future – from classroom learning to industry recognition.